Device That Disengages Autopilot Feature On Teslas, Banned In The U.S.

(KCBS Radio) - Federal officials are cracking down on a device designed to fool Tesla’s Autopilot into thinking the drivers’ hands are on the wheel.

CNN reports the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is calling the Autopilot Buddy unsafe and has ordered the company that makes the device to stop selling and marketing it in the U.S.

The Autopilot driver assistance system only works if sensors can detect the driver's hands on the steering wheel, and will issue warning messages and alarms if the driver removes their hands.

Autopilot Buddy sells for about $200 dollars and appears to be a simple weight that pulls down on side of the steering wheel.

Officials say it disables an important safeguard and puts both customers and others on the road at risk... and have directed the company to certify by June 29th that all US marketing, sales and distribution have stopped.